A laundry washing machine

ABSTRACT

A laundry washing machine having a cabinet, a washing tub, a washing drum rotatable within the tub and having a tubular mantle that is closed, at least partially, by a flange facing a closed end of the tub. A shaft protrudes from the flange through the closed wall. A driving system comprising an operating module is mounted on the tub, and an operated module is fixed to the free shaft end, the operating module rotates the operated module relative to the washing tub. One or more electric loads are mounted in/on the washing drum. A wireless power transmitter unit is mounted to the tub and arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to a wireless power receiver unit configured to supply electric power to the one or more electric loads. The wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on the operated module.

The present invention refers to a laundry washing machine (called alsowashing machine).

Nowadays washing machines, both “simple” washing machines (i.e. washingmachines which can only wash and rinse the laundry) and washing-dryingmachines (or “washer-driers”, i.e. washing machines which can also drythe laundry), usually comprise an external casing (called also cabinet)housing a washing tub (called also tub), typically suspended to thecabinet through springs and dampers, in which a washing drum (calledalso drum) is rotatably contained.

The drum typically comprises a tubular mantle rotatable with respect toa rotation axis.

The tubular mantle delimits an inner volume in which the laundry to betreated (for example washed) by the washing machine can be loaded.

A first end of the tubular mantle is closed, at least partially, byflange, fixed to the tubular mantle, for example by welding, clinching,or by bending the edges of the flange and the tubular mantle over oneanother, so that the flange rotates with the tubular mantle.

Such a flange is typically perforated for allowing liquid (in washingmachines and washer-driers) or air (in washer-driers) to enter/exit theinner volume delimited by the tubular mantle.

The washing tub comprises a tubular wall closed at one end by an endwall facing the flange of the drum.

The known washing machines comprise a shaft protruding from the flangeof the drum towards the end wall of the tub facing the latter; the shaftpasses through the end wall of the tub, so as to protrude, with an endor portion thereof, from an external face of the end wall facing awayfrom the flange of the drum.

Such a protruding end of the shaft is associated to a driving systemcomprising an operating module, typically mounted on the washing tub,and an operated module fixed to the protruding end of the shaft; theoperating module is configured for rotating the operated module, andtherefore the drum fixed thereto, with respect to the washing tub.

In some known washing machines, the operated module comprises a pulleyfixed to the protruding end of the shaft, and the operating modulecomprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of thewashing tub, and a belt connecting the rotary electric motor to thepulley and configured for transmitting the rotation from the rotaryelectric motor to the pulley.

In some other known washing machines, the operated system comprises anelectric motor rotor fixed to the protruding end of the shaft, and theoperating module comprises an electric motor stator mounted on theexternal face of the end wall of the washing tub.

Washing machines are also known, in which one or more electric loads(for example an electric light source, an electric heater, anelectromechanical actuator, etc.) are mounted in/on the washing drum.

It is underlined that in the present application, unless otherwisespecified, “mounted on” means mounted (directly or with theinterposition of a further element, for example a spacer or a connectionpiece, etc.), at least partially, on an external surface delimiting anelement; for example, stating that a certain element is “mounted on thewashing drum”, means that such an element is, at least partially,mounted on (or attached to) the external surface of the washing drum.

In the present application, unless otherwise specified, “mounted in”means mounted, at least partially, “within” a certain element, wherein“within” can mean “inside a volume delimited by such an element” or“recessed or embedded in the body of such an element”; for example,stating that a certain element is “mounted in the washing drum” meansthat such an element is mounted, at least partially, inside the volumedelimited by the drum, or that it is, at least partially, embedded in awall of the drum.

In some known solutions, electric power is provided to the one or moreelectric loads by a wireless power transmitting system comprising awireless power transmitter unit, mounted in/on the washing tub or in/onthe cabinet, electrically connected to the electrical system of thewashing machine, and arranged for wireless transmitting electric powerto a wireless power receiver unit, mounted on the drum and configuredfor supplying electric power to the one or more electric loads.

A known washing machine of this type is disclosed for example in the PCTapplication n. WO2019223850, disclosing a laundry treating apparatuscomprising a cabinet, a drum rotatably housed inside the cabinet, awireless power transmitter unit associated to the cabinet separatelyfrom the drum and arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to awireless power receiver unit mounted on the drum; the laundry treatingapparatus comprises one or more electromechanical actuators mountedin/on the drum and power supplied by the wireless power receiver unit.

In such known solution, the wireless power transmitter unit and thewireless power receiver unit are positioned, one opposite to the other,fixed respectively to the tub and to the drum, parallel in radialdirection; in a first embodiment described in WO2019223850, the wirelesspower receiver unit is positioned within the tub and fixed to a frontwall of the drum corresponding to its opening side, and the wirelesspower transmitter unit is fixed to a front wall of the tub, facing thewireless power receiver unit. In a further embodiment described inWO2019223850, the wireless power transmitter unit is fixed to the rearwall of the tub facing the drum, and the wireless power receiver unit ispositioned within the tub and is fixed to the rear wall of the drumfacing the tub.

The possibility to provide wireless electric power to the one or moreelectric loads allows avoiding sliding contacts (and the related wearand tear problems) for transmitting electric power from a non-rotatingpart of the washing machine (i.e. the tub), and a rotating part (i.e.the drum).

Anyway, this known solution has some drawbacks; first of all, since thewireless power receiver unit is positioned within the washing tub, itrequires a specific waterproofing in order to avoid transmittingelectric current to the washing liquid (water, or water mixed with awashing/rinsing additive) contained in the tub.

In addition, being positioned within the tub, which typically is notopenable once assembled, for example by welding two shells, it is verydifficult, if not impossible, to repair and/or replace the wirelesspower receiver unit in case of fault or malfunction.

Moreover, positioning the wireless power receiver unit within the tubcould reduce the internal space of the latter available for the laundry.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a washingmachine that does not present above mentioned problems, and which allowstransmitting electric power from the washing tub to the washing drum bya wireless power transmitting system, without requiring a specificwaterproofing of the wireless power receiver unit.

Within this aim, a further object of the invention is obtaining alaundry washing machine in which the wireless power receiver unit can beeasily repaired and/or replaced if needed.

A further object of the present invention is obtaining a laundry washingmachine wherein the wireless power transmitting system does not reduce,or reduces less than the prior art solutions, the space internal to thetub available for the laundry.

Applicant has found that, by providing a laundry washing machine with awireless power transmitter unit mounted in/on the washing tub, and awireless power receiver unit rotatable together with the drum, butpositioned outside the tub, it is possible transmitting electric powerfrom the tub to the drum rotatably contained therein without a specificwaterproofing of the wireless power receiver unit. In addition, sincethe wireless power receiver unit is positioned outside the tub, it iseasily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Moreover, since thewireless power receiver unit is positioned outside the tub, it does notreduce the space internal to the tub available for the laundry.

In particular, above aim is solved by a laundry washing machinecomprising:

a cabinet;

a washing tub housed inside the cabinet and comprising a tubular wallclosed at one end by an end wall;

a washing drum, rotatably housed within the washing tub, comprising atubular mantle rotatable with respect to a rotation axis, a first end ofthe tubular mantle being closed, at least partially, by a flange facingthe end wall of the washing tub;

a shaft protruding from the flange towards the end wall and passingthrough the latter, so that a free end thereof protrudes and/or isaccessible from an external face of the end wall facing away from theflange;

a driving system comprising an operating module, mounted on the washingtub, and an operated module fixed to the free end of the shaft, theoperating module being configured for rotating the operated module withrespect to the washing tub;

one or more electric loads mounted in/on the washing drum;

a wireless power transmitting system comprising a wireless powertransmitter unit, mounted in/on the washing tub, electrically connectedto an electrical system of the laundry washing machine and arranged forwireless transmitting electric power to a wireless power receiver unitconfigured for supplying electric power to the one or more electricloads,

wherein the wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on the operatedmodule.

It is underlined that stating that a free end of the shaft is accessiblefrom an external face of the end wall of the tub means that it ispossible mechanically interacting with such a free end (e.g. fixing amechanical element, like for example a pulley or a motor rotor, to suchan end) from the external of the end wall of the tub; this is possible,for example, if the shaft protrudes from such external face, but also,for example, if the shaft is flush with the external face, or even ifthe free end of the shaft is recessed within the end wall of the tub.

In a preferred embodiment, the wireless power transmitter unit ismounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed within, theexternal face of the end wall of the washing tub facing away from theflange. In this preferred embodiment, the power transmitter unit istherefore positioned outside the internal volume delimited by thewashing tub wherein the drum is rotatably housed, and wherein washingliquid is loaded; this preferred embodiment is particularlyadvantageous, since, being positioned externally to this internalvolume, the wireless power transmitter unit does not require a specificwaterproofing, and, in addition, it does not reduce the volume availablefor the laundry within the tub.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wireless power receiver unit iselectrically connected to the one or more electric loads by a wiring.

More preferably the wiring passes through a passage passing through theshaft (i.e. obtained through the body of the shaft).

It is underlined that the washing machine is provided with one or moresealing elements for preventing liquid from exiting the washing tubthrough the mechanical coupling between the shaft and its one or morebearings provided at the end wall of the washing tub; the advantageoussolution in which the wiring passes through a passage passing throughthe shaft, does not affect the one or more bearings and the one or moresealing elements, and reduces therefore the overall complexity, thecosts and the assembling procedure of the washing machine.

Advantageously, a further seal can be provided, arranged for preventingliquid from passing from the internal of the tub to the external thereofthrough the passage. It is underlined that this further seal is staticwith respect to the shaft, and therefore it is not subject to frictionlike the one or more sealing elements provided for the shaft.

In an advantageous embodiment, the operated module comprises a pulleyfixed to the free end of the shaft protruding and/or accessible from theexternal face of the end wall, and the operating module comprises arotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of the washingtub, and a belt connecting the rotary electric motor to the pulley andconfigured for transmitting the rotation from the rotary electric motorto the pulley, wherein the wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/onthe pulley.

Preferably, in the advantageous embodiment in which the wireless powertransmitter unit is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, orrecessed within the external face of the end wall of the washing tubfacing away from the flange, the pulley comprises an inner face facingthe external face of the end wall of the washing tub, and the wirelesspower receiver unit is mounted in/on the inner face of the pulley insuch a way to face the wireless power transmitter unit. This preferredembodiment has the advantage that the wireless power transmitter unitand the wireless power receiver unit are hidden in the gap betweenpulley and tub, and therefore the risk of an accidental contact of theuser with the wireless power transmitting system, for example in casethe user opens the casing for searching the cause of a possible fault ormalfunctioning, is reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the operated module comprises anelectric motor rotor fixed to the free end of the shaft, and theoperating module comprises an electric motor stator mounted on theexternal face of the end wall of the washing tub, wherein the wirelesspower receiver unit is mounted in/on the electric motor rotor.

In an advantageous embodiment, the wireless power transmitter unitcomprises a transmission coil configured for generating a variablemagnetic field, and the wireless power receiver unit comprises areception coil configured for generating electric power from thevariable magnetic field generated by the transmission coil.

Preferably, the transmission coil and the reception coil are centred onthe rotation axis of the tubular mantle.

In a preferred embodiment, the transmission coil is mounted on, orembedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within the external face ofthe end wall, and the reception coil is mounted in/on the inner face ofthe pulley, the reception coil facing the transmission coil.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner face of the pulley and the externalface of the end wall of the washing tub facing the latter aretruncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at leastin their regions where the reception coil and the transmission coil arerespectively positioned. This advantageous embodiment allows obtaining acompact construction for the tub, its driving system and the wirelesspower transmitting system, which can be easily housed within thecabinet.

Advantageously, the one or more electric loads comprise one or more ofthe following electric loads:

an electric heater, an electric pump, an electric fan, an electricsteam/mist/aerosol generator, an electric washing/rinsing additivedispenser, an electric light source, an electric sensor.

It is underlined that in the present application, unless otherwisespecified, the word “fixed” means both “fixed directly” and “fixed withthe interposition of one or more connection elements”.

Other advantages and features of a laundry washing machine according tothe present invention will be clear from the following detaileddescription, provided only as a not limitative example, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of a laundrywashing machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic lateral sectional view of the laundry washingmachine according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the washing tub, the washingdrum, and the driving system of a washing machine according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of part of the washing tub and thewashing drum of the washing machine of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a lateral view of part of the washing tub, the washing drum,and the driving system of the washing machine of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a vertical cross section of part of thewashing tub, the washing drum, and the driving system of the washingmachine of FIGS. 3 to 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a lateral exploded view of part of the washing tub, thewashing drum, and the driving system of the washing machine of thewashing machine of FIGS. 3 to 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a vertical cross section the lateralexploded view of FIG. 7 ;

FIGS. 9 to 11 are schematic views of three embodiments of a wirelesspower transmitting system of a laundry washing machine according to theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic lateral sectional view of a further advantageousembodiment of a laundry washing machine according to the invention.

In the figures same parts are indicated with the same reference numbers.

Advantageously, the laundry washing machines illustrated in attachedfigures are of the front-loading type; it is however clear that theinvention can be applied, without any substantial modification, also totop-loading washing machines, both of the “horizontal axis” and of the“vertical axis” type.

It is highlighted that the washing machines illustrated in attachedfigures are “simple” washing machines (i.e. washing machines which canonly wash and rinse the laundry); anyway, it is clear that the inventioncan be applied, without any substantial modification, also towasher-driers.

The laundry washing machine 10 according to the invention comprises acabinet 20, or housing, preferably parallelepiped, configured to bepositioned on a horizontal surface 2, for example the floor of abuilding, preferably by suitable feet 21, one or more of which can have,advantageously, an adjustable height, so as to adapt to a possible notperfect planarity of the horizontal surface 2.

Advantageously, in the frontal wall 20 a of the cabinet 20 an accessopening, not illustrated, is preferably obtained, advantageouslyselectively closable by a loading/unloading door 4, preferably hinged tothe frontal wall 20 a.

The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a washing tub 30 (in thefollowing called also simply “tub”), preferably suspended to the cabinetthrough springs and dampers, wherein a washing liquid (water or watermixed with a washing/rinsing additive) can be loaded.

Advantageously the tub 30 comprises a tubular wall 31 closed at one endby an end wall 32.

The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a washing drum 40 (in thefollowing called also simply “drum”), rotatably housed inside the tub30, comprising a tubular mantle 41 rotatable with respect to a rotationaxis Ax; the tubular mantle 41 delimits an inner volume 45 in whichlaundry, not illustrated, can be loaded.

In the advantageous examples illustrated in attached figures, therotation axis Ax is advantageously horizontal, or slightly inclined.

Preferably, the tubular mantle 41 is cylindrical or prismatic.

A first end of the tubular mantle 41 is closed, at least partially, by aflange 42, preferably perforated, so that water (and also air in thecase of a washer-drier) can enter the inner volume 45 of the tubularmantle 41 through the flange 42.

The flange 42 is advantageously fixed to (e.g. by welding or clinching)and rotates with the tubular mantle 42.

The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a shaft 50 protruding from theflange 42 towards the end wall 32 of the tub 30 and passing through thelatter, so that one end 51 thereof protrudes and/or is accessible froman external face 320 of the end wall 32 facing away from the flange 42of the drum 40.

Advantageously, the shaft 50 can be fixed directly to the flange 42, orit can be fixed to a so called “spider” 53 fixed, in turn, to the flange42.

Advantageously, the shaft 50 can be rotatably supported by one or morebearings 54 provided at the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, in such away to allow the rotation of the shaft 50 with respect to the tub 30.

In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attachedfigures, the one or more bearings 54 are contained in a bushing 57 fixedto, preferably embedded into, the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30.

The washing machine 30 is also provided with one or more sealingelements 56, preferably integrated into the bearing 54, arranged forpreventing liquid from exiting the washing tub 30 through the mechanicalrotatable coupling between the shaft 50 and the bearing(s) 54.

In the advantageous embodiment illustrated in attached figures, the freeend 51 of the shaft 50 is flush, or substantially flush, with theexternal face 320 of the end wall 32.

The washing machine 10 advantageously comprises a water inlet circuit,not illustrated, adapted to feed water into the tub 30; the water inletcircuit can advantageously comprise a water pipe, a first end of whichis preferably connected or connectable to the water mains of a building(also not illustrated), and a second end of which is preferably arrangedin such a way to take water coming from its first end to internal of thewashing tub 30.

Preferably, the water inlet circuit comprises an electro-valve, notillustrated, configured for selectively allowing or preventing thepassage of water from the first end to the second end of the water pipe.

Advantageously, the washing machine 10 is also advantageously providedwith a drain circuit, also not illustrated, adapted for drainingwashing/rinsing liquid from the washing machine. The drain circuit of awashing machine/washer-drier is well known in the art, and therefore itwill not be described in detail.

Advantageously, as in the examples illustrated in attached Figures, thelaundry washing machine 10 comprises at least one (preferably two ormore) lifter 500 (called also elevator, or rib, or diverter), adapted toimprove the stirring of the laundry during the rotation of the drum 40.

Advantageously, the lifter 500 comprises a hollow body 555 protrudingfrom an inner surface of the tubular mantle 41 towards the rotation axisAx of the drum 40; the hollow body 555 is, preferably, a substantiallyprismatic element, advantageously positioned with its longitudinal axissubstantially parallel to the rotation axis Ax.

Advantageously, the laundry washing machine 10 comprises a control unit,depicted schematically in FIGS. 2 and 12 as a rectangle 60, configuredfor managing the operations of the laundry washing machine 10, forexample by controlling the electric devices of the laundry washingmachine 10, which may comprise for example, a user interface,electro-valves, motors, pumps, etc.

Advantageously, the washing machine 10 comprises a driving system 70comprising an operating module 71, mounted on the washing tub 30, and anoperated module 72, fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50; theoperating module 71 is configured for rotating the operated module 72,and therefore the shaft 50 fixed thereto, with respect to the washingtub 30.

In first advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated for examplein FIGS. 2 to 8 , the operated module 72 advantageously comprises apulley 73 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50 protruding and/oraccessible from the external face 320 of the end wall 32; in this case,the operating module 71 advantageously comprises a rotary electric motor61, mounted on an external surface 33 of the washing tub 30, preferablyon the tubular wall 31 of the latter, and a belt 74 connecting therotary electric motor 61 to the pulley 73 and configured fortransmitting the rotation from the rotary electric motor 61 to thepulley 73.

In a further advantageous embodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 12, the operated module 72 comprises an electric motor rotor 75 fixed tothe free end 51 of the shaft 50, and the operating module comprises anelectric motor stator 76 mounted on the external face 320 of the endwall 32 of the washing tub 30.

Advantageously, the washing machine 30 comprises one or more electricloads, schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 with a rectanglenumbered 80, mounted in/on the washing drum 40.

For example, the one or more electric loads 80 can advantageouslycomprise one or more of the following electric loads (not illustrated):an electric heater, an electric pump, an electric fan, an electricsteam/mist/aerosol generator, an electric washing/rinsing additivedispenser, an electric light source, an electric sensor, etc.

Advantageously, as in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 , oneor more electric loads 80 are housed or comprised in the hollow body 555of a lifter 500.

Advantageously, the washing machine 10 comprises a wireless powertransmitting system 600 comprising a wireless power transmitter unit 62,mounted in/on the washing tub 30, electrically connected to anelectrical system 90 of the laundry washing machine 10 (connectable, inturn, to electric mains external to the washing machine 10), andarranged for wireless transmitting electric power to a wireless powerreceiver unit 63 configured for supplying electric power to the one ormore electric loads 80.

In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones illustrated inattached figures, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 is partiallyrecessed within the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wirelesspower transmitter unit 62 can be partially or totally embedded withinthe end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, with the exception of theelectrical connectors for the electrical connection to the electricalsystem 90 of the laundry washing machine 10; this can be obtained, forexample, by over-moulding the washing tub 30 on the wireless powertransmitter unit 62.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wirelesspower transmitter unit 62 is mounted on the external face 320 of the endwall 32 of the washing tub 30, in such a way not to be embedded norrecessed into the latter.

In preferred embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attached figures,the wireless power receiver unit 63 is electrically connected to the oneor more electric loads 80 by a wiring 81, preferably passing through apassage 82 passing through the shaft 50; in this way the one or morebearings 54 and the one or more sealing elements 56 are not affected bythe presence of the wiring 81.

Preferably, a further seal 83, can be provided for preventing liquidfrom passing from the internal of the tub 30 to the external thereofthrough the passage 82.

Anyway, this further seal 83 is static with respect to the shaft 50, andtherefore it is not subject to friction during the rotation of the shaft50, like the one or more sealing elements 56.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the passage 82can be so small that the presence of the wiring 81 could prevent liquidfrom entering the passage 82; in this case a seal 83 is not necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, after insertingthe wiring 81, the passage 82 can be filled with a waterproof filler(e.g. a glue or similar material), so that liquid is prevented fromentering the passage 82;

here too, a seal 83 is not necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wiring 81 canbe positioned on the external lateral surface 58 of the shaft 50; inthis case, the one or more bearings 54 and/or the one or more sealingelements 56 could be opportunely configured for allowing the rotationand the waterproofing of the shaft 50 having a wiring 81 fixed on itsexternal lateral surface 58.

In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8 ,in which the operated module 72 advantageously comprises a pulley 73fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50, the wireless power receiverunit 63 is advantageously mounted in/on the pulley 73; in suchadvantageous embodiments, preferably, the pulley 73 comprises an innerface 77 facing the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washingtub 30, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 is mounted on, orembedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within the external face320 of the end wall 32, and the wireless power receiver unit 63 ismounted in/on the inner face 77 of the pulley 73 (i.e. attached to suchan inner face 77, like in attached FIGS. 2 to 8 , or at least partiallyembedded or recessed within the latter) in such a way to face thewireless power transmitter unit 62.

In further advantageous embodiments, for example the one illustrated inFIG. 12 , in which the operated module 72 comprises an electric motorrotor 75 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50, and the operatingmodule comprises an electric motor stator 76 mounted on the externalface 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, the wireless powerreceiver unit 63 can be advantageously mounted in/on the electric motorrotor 75.

In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attachedfigures, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 comprises a transmissioncoil 620 configured for generating a variable magnetic field, and thewireless power receiver unit 63 comprises a reception coil 630configured for generating electric power from the variable magneticfield generated by the transmission coil 620.

Preferably, the transmission coil 620 and the reception coil 630 areintegrated, respectively, into an enclosing material, not illustrated.

Preferably, both the transmission coil 620 and the reception coil 630are centred on the rotation axis Ax of the tubular mantle 41.

In an advantageous embodiment, like in attached FIGS. 2 to 8 , thetransmission coil 620 is recessed within the external face 320 of theend wall 32, and the reception coil 630 is mounted in/on the inner face77 of the pulley 73; the reception coil 630 faces the transmission coil620.

Preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, like illustrated forexample in the advantageous embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 8 , the inner face77 of the pulley 73 and the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of thewashing tub 30 facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, orsubstantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where thereception coil 630 and the transmission coil 620 are respectivelypositioned.

In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones illustrated inFIGS. 9 to 11 , in the control unit 60 an oscillating voltage can begenerated by switching elements 602, that are electrically connected tothe transmission coil 620 of the wireless power transmitter unit 62,coupled to the reception coil 630 of the wireless power receiver unit63.

The voltage induced in the reception coil 630 can be preferablyrectified and conditioned in a coil interface block 611, and can bepreferably brought, preferably with wires, to one more electric loads 80(if they are more than one, they can be preferably, but not necessarily,electrically connected one another in parallel).

Preferably, the components of the interface block 611 could beintegrated in the power receiver unit 63.

In the advantageous embodiment of FIG. 11 , the laundry treatingappliance advantageously comprises also an interface unit 61 that can besupplied by a dedicated reception coil 640 of the receiver unit 63, orcould be connected in parallel to the reception coil 630 supplying theone or more electric loads 80.

In advantageous embodiments, like for example the one illustrated inFIG. 11 , the interface unit 61 has preferably a wireless connection 601to transfer measurement data to the control unit 60.

In advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, the wireless powerreceiver unit 63 can advantageously comprise a receiver magneticshielding member, and the wireless power transmitter unit 62 cancomprise a transmission magnetic shielding member.

Preferably, the receiver magnetic shielding member is positioned betweenthe reception coil 630 and the operated module 72, and the transmissionmagnetic shielding member is positioned between the transmission coil620 and the washing tub 30.

The functioning of the washing machine 10 according to the inventionwill be described in the following only in relation to the functioningof the wireless power transmitting system; it is underlined that thewireless power transmitting system can be activated for transmittingelectric power from the electrical system 90 of the washing machine 10to the one or more electric loads 80 during a washing and/or rinsingprogram, during a drying program (in case of a washer-drier), or whilethe washing machine 10 is not performing any washing or drying program,so, for example, before or after executing such a program.

When there is the need to provide electric power to the one or moreelectric loads 80, the control unit 60 controls the electrical system 90of the washing machine 10 in such a way that it provides electric powerto the wireless power transmitter unit 62, which wireless transmit suchan electric power to the wireless power receiver unit 63 mounted in/onthe operated module 72 of the driving system 70.

Finally, the wireless power receiver unit 63, electrically connected tothe one or more electric loads 80, transfers electric power to such oneor more electric loads 80, that can operate according to their specificfunction(s) (e.g. generating heat, light, steam, etc.).

It is seen therefore how the invention achieves the proposed aim andobjects, there being provided a laundry washing machine that, thanks tothe specific positioning of the wireless power transmitter unit and ofthe wireless power receiver unit allows transmitting electric power fromthe tub to the drum rotatably contained therein without requiring aspecific waterproofing of the wireless power receiver unit.

In addition, since the wireless power receiver unit is positionedoutside the tub, it is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement.Moreover, since the wireless power receiver unit is positioned outsidethe tub, it does not reduce the space internal to the tub available forthe laundry.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   rotation axis Ax-   horizontal surface 2-   loading/unloading door 4-   laundry washing machine 10-   cabinet or housing 20-   frontal wall 20 a-   feet 21-   washing tub (or tub) 30-   tubular wall 31-   end wall 32-   washing drum (or drum) 40-   tubular mantle 41-   flange 42-   inner volume 45-   shaft 50-   free end 51-   spider 53-   bearings 54-   sealing elements 56-   bushing 57-   external lateral surface 58-   control unit 60-   rotary electric motor 61-   wireless power transmitter unit 62-   wireless power receiver unit 63-   driving system 70-   operating module 71-   operated module 72-   pulley 73-   belt 74-   electric motor rotor 75-   electric motor stator 76-   inner face 77-   one or more electric loads 80-   wiring 81-   passage 82-   further seal 83-   electrical system 90-   external face 320-   lifter 500-   hollow body 555-   wireless power transmitting system 600-   wireless connection 601-   switching elements 602-   coil interface block 611-   transmission coil 620-   reception coil 630

1. A laundry washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a washing tub housedinside said cabinet and comprising a tubular wall closed at one end byan end wall; a washing drum, rotatably housed within said washing tub,comprising a tubular mantle rotatable with respect to a rotation axis, afirst end of said tubular mantle being closed, at least partially, by aflange facing said end wall of said washing tub; a shaft protruding fromsaid flange towards said end wall and passing through the end wall, sothat a free end of the shaft protrudes and/or is accessible from anexternal face of said end wall facing away from said flange; a drivingsystem comprising an operating module, mounted on said washing tub, andan operated module fixed to said free end of said shaft, said operatingmodule being configured to rotate said operated module with respect tosaid washing tub; one or more electric loads mounted in/on said washingdrum; a wireless power transmitting system comprising a wireless powertransmitter unit, mounted in/on said washing tub, electrically connectedto an electrical system of said laundry washing machine and configuredto wirelessly transmit electric power to a wireless power receiver unitconfigured to supply electric power to said one or more electric loads,wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said operatedmodule.
 2. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, whereinsaid wireless power transmitter unit is mounted on, or embedded,partially or totally, or recessed within, said external face of said endwall of said washing tub facing away from said flange.
 3. The laundrywashing machine, according to claim 1, wherein said wireless powerreceiver unit is electrically connected to said one or more electricloads by a wiring.
 4. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 3,wherein said wiring passes through a passage passing through said shaft.5. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, comprising a sealarranged for preventing liquid from passing from the internal of saidtub to the external thereof through said passage.
 6. The laundry washingmachine, according to claim 1, wherein said operated module comprises apulley fixed to said free end of said shaft protruding and/or accessiblefrom said external face of said end wall, and said operating modulecomprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface ofsaid washing tub, and a belt connecting said rotary electric motor tosaid pulley and configured to transmit rotation from said rotaryelectric motor to said pulley, wherein said wireless power receiver unitis mounted in/on said pulley.
 7. The laundry washing machine accordingto claim 2, wherein: said operated module comprises a pulley fixed tosaid free end of said shaft protruding and/or accessible from saidexternal face of said end wall, and said operating module comprises arotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of said washingtub, and a belt connecting said rotary electric motor to said pulley andconfigured to transmit rotation from said rotary electric motor to saidpulley, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on saidpulley; and said pulley comprises an inner face facing said externalface of said end wall of said washing tub, and wherein said wirelesspower receiver unit is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley insuch a way to face said wireless power transmitter unit.
 8. The laundrywashing machine, according to claim 2, wherein: said operated modulecomprises a pulley fixed to said free end of said shaft protrudingand/or accessible from said external face of said end wall, and saidoperating module comprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on anexternal surface of said washing tub, and a belt connecting said rotaryelectric motor to said pulley and configured to transmit rotation fromsaid rotary electric motor to said pulley, wherein said wireless powerreceiver unit is mounted in/on said pulley; and said operated modulecomprises an electric motor rotor fixed to said free end of said shaft,and said operating module comprises an electric motor stator mounted onsaid external face of said end wall of said washing tub, wherein saidwireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said electric motor rotor.9. The laundry washing machine according to claim 1, wherein saidwireless power transmitter unit comprises a transmission coil configuredto generate a variable magnetic field, and said wireless power receiverunit comprises a reception coil configured to generate electric powerfrom said variable magnetic field generated by said transmission coil.10. The laundry washing machine according to claim 9, wherein both saidtransmission coil and said reception coil are centred on said rotationaxis of said tubular mantle.
 11. The laundry washing machine accordingto claim 7, wherein said transmission coil is mounted on, or embedded,partially or totally, or recessed, within said external face of said endwall, and wherein said reception coil is mounted in/on said inner faceof said pulley, said reception coil facing said transmission coil. 12.The laundry washing machine according to claim 11, wherein said innerface of said pulley and said external face of said end wall of saidwashing tub facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, orsubstantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions wheresaid reception coil and said transmission coil are respectivelypositioned.
 13. The laundry washing machine according to claim 1,wherein said one or more electric loads comprise one or more of thefollowing electric loads: an electric heater, an electric pump, anelectric fan, an electric steam/mist/aerosol generator, an electricwashing/rinsing additive dispenser, an electric light source, and anelectric sensor.
 14. The laundry washing machine according to claim 9,wherein said transmission coil is mounted on, or embedded, partially ortotally, or recessed, within said external face of said end wall, andwherein said reception coil is mounted in/on said inner face of saidpulley, said reception coil facing said transmission coil.
 15. The Alaundry washing machine according to claim 14, wherein said inner faceof said pulley and said external face of said end wall of said washingtub facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, or substantiallytruncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where said receptioncoil and said transmission coil are respectively positioned.
 16. Thelaundry washing machine according to claim 10, wherein said transmissioncoil is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed,within said external face of said end wall, and wherein said receptioncoil is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley, said receptioncoil facing said transmission coil.
 17. The laundry washing machineaccording to claim 16, wherein said inner face of said pulley and saidexternal face of said end wall of said washing tub facing the latter aretruncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at leastin their regions where said reception coil and said transmission coilare respectively positioned.